Maldives and India to Strengthen Bilateral Relations

The Maldives and India have held discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations, with a particular emphasis on trade and defence.

The talks were led by key figures from both nations, including India’s Minister of External Affairs, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, and prominent Maldivian officials such as Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed, Minister of Finance Mohamed Shafeeq, and the Governor of the Maldives Monetary Authority, Ahmed Munawwar.

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Trade and Economic Cooperation

During the discussions, the dignitaries explored avenues for enhancing trade relations and providing support for developmental projects. A significant outcome of these talks was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Maldives and NIPI International Payments Limited (NIPL), a subsidiary of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). 

This agreement, facilitated by the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, aims to advance the Maldives’ e-commerce sector, aligning with the goals outlined in President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s manifesto. 

The initiative seeks to foster opportunities within the creator economy, expand e-commerce, and broaden participation in the financial market. Additionally, Minister Saeed announced plans to introduce India’s RuPay Cards in the Maldives, further strengthening financial ties.

In addition to these new initiatives, several ongoing projects in the Maldives, including the development of the Thila-Male’ Bridge, continue to benefit from Indian support.

Defence and Security Cooperation

The discussions also encompassed defence and security cooperation between the two nations. Dr. Jaishankar met with the Maldives’ Minister of Defence, Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon, to discuss future collaboration in safeguarding peace and stability in the Indian Ocean region. 

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to respecting each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Minister Ghassan described the meeting as productive, noting that senior officials from the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and delegates accompanying Dr. Jaishankar were also in attendance.

Broader Bilateral Engagement

Dr. Jaishankar emphasised India’s desire to expand its relationship with the Maldives beyond existing areas of cooperation. This was highlighted during a ceremony where he handed over documents for the installation of water and sewerage systems on 28 islands, a project supported by the Exim Bank of India under a line of credit. 

This initiative represents the largest environmentally friendly project ever undertaken in the Maldives with foreign assistance, with a significant portion of the energy required for its operation coming from renewable sources. An investment of USD 110 million has also been made in solar power infrastructure.

Dr. Jaishankar’s visit also saw the completion of six projects supported by the Indian government and participation in the Maldives’ five million tree planting initiative, where he planted a tree himself.

High-Level Discussions with the President Muizzu

In a separate meeting at the President’s Office, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and Dr. Jaishankar discussed enhancing bilateral ties across six key areas: economic development, housing, defence, tourism, capacity building, and infrastructure. 

President Muizzu expressed his gratitude for the continued support from India and reaffirmed the Maldives’ commitment to maintaining and strengthening its long-standing ties with India.

Both leaders concluded the meeting by reaffirming their dedication to mutual support and the continued development of a prosperous and strengthened Maldives-India relationship in the years to come.